Modular Stowage System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an attachment system for modular stowage units. The system features a rail matrix utilized with a clasp system. Each rail component of the matrix features either a raised bridge or a loop onto which the clasp system attaches and may be a modular rail. Clasp designs include small and large bladed versions where the blade is designed to interface with an underside of a loop and secure an object to the rail matrix. Clasps may be designed to work with woven modular interfaces currently on the market

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority as a non-provisional application of prior filed U.S. provisional application No. 61/444,119 filed Feb. 17, 2011 and incorporates the same by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of stowage and more particularly relates to a modular system for the attachment for stowage articles onto either an object's surface or an individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ever since the invention of tools, mankind has had a need to carry them. Devices for carrying articles range from the simple pocket, to backpacks, slings, boxes, pouches and an assortment of other devices. Of particular concern is the fact that stowage articles may or may not be necessary, depending upon what needs to be carried. To this end, modular stowage systems have been developed. One such system is the MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system currently utilized by the US Armed Forces. The MOLLE system is based on a Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS). The PALS is essentially a webbing grid, usually made from 1″ webbing spaced 1″ apart and tacked to the backing at 1.5″ intervals, into which straps attached to a pouch or other container are interwoven. The PALS grid is usually found on the personal equipment of an individual, such as a backpack, rucksack or vest, and used to attach pouches and other implements on the person as needed and in a location the person deems most advantageous. Usage is simple, as the person merely interweaves a strap, originating from the stowage article, into the PALS grid and secures the loose end. However, the MOLLE system is not without disadvantages. The process of interweaving a strap is somewhat time-consuming. The system is also limited in the weight it can bear as the means of support and the means of attachment are, essentially, fabric.

The present invention is a modular load bearing system that utilizes a more rigid mounting structure as its attachment grid. It also utilizes quick release clasps to more efficiently attach and detach stowage articles to the attachment grid. As such, it bears more weight and is easier to implement than the current MOLLE system.

The present invention represents a departure from the prior art in that the modular stowage system of the present invention allows for rapid and easy attachment and reattachment of modular stowage units while also increasing weight capacity and allowing for use on both individuals and inanimate objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of modular stowage systems, this invention provides an improved modular stowage system with a more rigid support grid. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved modular stowage system that is easy and faster to use and, when properly mounted on a proper support structure, can bear more weight than previous systems.

To accomplish these objectives, the modular stowage system comprises at least one rail that is attached to a load bearing object, such as a wall, vehicle surface, vest, backpack or other item. The rail has two embodiments. The first is a fairly rigid material such as plastic or metal and is mounted to an object or on personal gear, such as a gear belt or flak jacket. The second is a bar made of rubber or rubberized plastic which may be sewn onto a fabric surface. The fabric surface may be clothing, such as a vest, allowing the system to be used on an individual person. The first rail features regularly spaced attachment nodes with raised bridges therebetween, creating loops which are utilized by the clasps on the articles as an anchor point. This first rail also may be of a modular design. The second rail features raised loops for the same purpose. Ideally, the system has positioned at least one rail in a rail matrix. A clasp, which may be one of several designs, is located on a stowage article and secures the stowage article on the rail matrix. Another feature of the invention is the use of clips which may be designed to not only hold items, such as a flashlight, but also clip directly into the loops. The current design is not only an improvement on the previous MOLLE system, but is also backwards compatible with it as the straps used on the MOLLE stowage articles may be threaded through the loops of the rails in the rail matrix.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, mounted on a generic support article.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the system and support article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the system and support article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the system of FIG. 1, showing alternate clasps and other securement apparatuses.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rail depicted as part of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the rail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the rail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the rail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 8, taken along line A-A.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 8, taken along line B-B.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modular rail for use in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the modular rail of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation of the modular rail of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is sectional view of the rail of FIG. 13, taken along line C-C.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the modular rail of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of the modular rail of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is sectional view of the rail of FIG. 16, taken along line D-D.

FIG. 18 is sectional view of the rail of FIG. 16, taken along line E-E.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate rail depicted as part of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the rail of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation of the rail of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation of the rail of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 19, taken along line F-F.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 19, taken along line G-G.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clasp for the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the clasp of FIG. 25, opened.

FIG. 27 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 25, disassembled.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation of the clasp of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a rear plan view of the clasp of FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 25, taken along line H-H.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation of the clasp of FIG. 26.

FIG. 33 is a rear plan view of the clasp of FIG. 26.

FIG. 34 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 26.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 26, taken along line J-J.

FIG. 36 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 25 affixed to an article.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 36, taken along line K-K.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a clasp for the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the clasp of FIG. 38, opened.

FIG. 40 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 38, disassembled.

FIG. 41 is a side elevation of the clasp of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a rear plan view of the clasp of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 38.

FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 38, taken along line L-L.

FIG. 45 is a side elevation of the clasp of FIG. 39.

FIG. 46 is a rear plan view of the clasp of FIG. 39.

FIG. 47 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 39.

FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 39, taken along line M-M.

FIG. 49 is a front plan view of the clasp of FIG. 38 affixed to an article.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 49, taken along line N-N.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a clasp for use with the invention.

FIG. 52 is a side elevation of the clasp of FIG. 51

FIG. 53 is a front plant view of the clasp of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is a sectional view of the clasp of FIG. 53, taken along line P-P.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the clasp of FIG. 51, installed on a MOLLE system.

FIG. 56 is a front plan view of the clasp and system of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a sectional view of the clasp and system of FIG. 56, taken along line Q-Q.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an exemplary clip for securing an item to the system.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of still another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing a cylindrical item to the system.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing a cylindrical item to the system.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternate rail depicted as part of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the rail of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a front elevation of the rail of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a side elevation of the rail of FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 37, taken along line G-G.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the rail of FIG. 37, taken along line H-H.

FIG. 40 is a side elevation of an article being secured to a series of the rails of FIG. 5, using the MOLLE attachment system.

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the article and system of FIG. 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the attachment system is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the system attaches an article 1 to a support surface 2. The system is centered about a notched support bar 10 and an attachment apparatus 18 interacting to secure the article 1 and surface 2 together. Various attachment apparatuses are shown in FIG. 4, including an assortment of attachment clips (50, 52, 54, 56, and 58) and two attachment clasps (3, 4). As can be seen, attachment apparatuses may be configured to interact with a single rail 10, or a plurality of rails.

The construction of the rail 10 is depicted in FIGS. 5-10. The rail is comprised of a plurality of evenly spaced nodes 12 with a bridge 16 between adjacent nodes 12. Each node 12 features a countersunk hole 14, used for mounting the rail 10 to the surface 2. This may be done through rivets, screws, bolts or any suitable means. Rails 10 are then mounted upon any suitable surface by attaching the rail 10 to the surface through the countersunk area 14 of the nodes 12. The bridges 16 are shown to be narrower than the nodes 12, giving the rail 10 a saw-toothed appearance. This structure aids in connecting the attachment apparatuses as it adds two additional surfaces for the parts to interface with each other. This feature is not, however, essential to the function of the invention and the bridges 16 may be of any suitable width. A positioning hole 18 may also be utilized on the bridges 16, the use of which will be described below. As seen in FIG. 1, the rails 10 are positioned on a support surface 2 in a matrix formation. Spacing of the rails 10, as well of spacing of the nodes 12 within the rails 10, is ideally comparable to the MOLLE system so as to be backwards compatible—that is the nodes 12 should be 1″-1.5″ apart and the rails 10, when positioned on a surface, should be 1″-1.5″ apart. However, any spacing, larger or smaller, is possible that would still allow functionality.

A modular rail 20 may be utilized to customize the size of the rail matrix. Shown in FIGS. 11-18, the rail 20 may be comprised of a first end piece 22 and a second end piece 26 and at least one rail module 24. These pieces are separable at the nodes 28, each piece having complimentary portions 23, 25 of the node structure 28. In practice, it has been found that dividing the node structure roughly in half, with each portion 23, 25 having a complete hole, is preferable. Likewise, allowing the two portions to snap-fit together is also preferable as it provides positive association of the pieces. Any suitable construction of the pieces may, however, be utilized. For optimum performance, each rail module 24 should have one of each type of node portion 23, 25 and each set of rail end pieces 22, 26 should have one end piece 22 with one portion 23 and the other end piece 26 with the other 25.

An alternate rail 30 may also be utilized (FIGS. 19-24). This particular rail is designed to be more flexible that the first, for attachment to surfaces intended to be worn on an individual or placed on any fabric surface, such as that provided by luggage, backpacks, upholstery, etc., where the alternate rail 30 is sewn into position. A flexible backing 32 features a plurality of loops 34, similar to the node and bridge arrangement of the first rail. A trough 36 may also provided to allow easier stitching of the backing 32 to a surface. This rail functions and is configured to function essentially the same as the first.

The second component of the system is the attachment apparatus, or “clasp.” An example of a suitable clasp 40 is shown in FIGS. 25-36. This particular embodiment features a clasp base 42 with a plurality of mounting holes 38 for use in attaching the clasp base 42 to an article. It should be noted that other means of attachment are possible; such as the stitching trench 39 about the clasp base 42. The clasp base 42 also features a plurality of maxillary jaws 45 which are spaced and sized to interface with a top edge of the rail 10. Alone, the maxillary jaws 45 would hang the article on the rail matrix, but not secure it. Centrally located within the clasp base 42 is a sliding blade 46, with corresponding mandible jaws 47. The blade 46 is manipulated by way of a grip 49 on its lower end. When closed, the clip features clip teeth 48 that nest within sockets 43 on the side of the clasp body 42. The mandible jaws 47 reside along a lower edge of the rail 10, securing the article to the surface (FIGS. 36 and 37). Both sets of jaws 45, 47 should be configured to grasp the rail 10 between themselves. A trapezoidal shaped jaw, designed to interface with the saw-toothed rail 10, provides three interfacing surfaces for each tooth and is an ideal configuration. Other jaw shapes, however, are possible. When opened (FIGS. 26, 32-35) the blade 46 is pulled downward, disengaging mandible jaws 47 and allowing the article to be lifted up and away from the rail matrix. It should be noted that one maxillary jaw is located on a gate 44 through which the blade 46 passes as it is engaged and disengaged. It should also be appreciated that blade 46 travels along a two tabs 41 which help to secure the blade in position while not hindering movement of the upper mandible jaw. A stop 46 a is also provided to maintain the blade 46 within the base 42 when the blade is retracted. The depicted stop 46 a is a set of two angled bars extending from blade 46 which, when the blade 46 is disengaged, interface with structure on the base 42 (FIG. 33) to prevent further movement.

A second attachment clasp 50 is shown in FIGS. 38-48. Like the first embodiment, it also features a clasp body with mounting holes or other means of mounting the attachment clasp 50 to an article (not shown). It also features a blade strip 57 that travels through the clasp body to secure it on the rail matrix. In this embodiment the clasp body features a plurality of orthogonally oriented gates, 52, 53, 54 with sufficient space in between them to fit around the rails of the rail matrix and that project forwards and behind the rails 10 of the rail matrix. The blade strip 57 slides through the gates 52, 53, 54 and behind the rails 10 of the rail matrix, thereby securing the article to the rail matrix (FIGS. 49 and 50). A keying structure 55 may also be provided to key into the positioning holes 18 in the rails 10. The use of this keying structure 55 is preferred, especially in this embodiment of the clasp, but it is not necessary. The blade strip 57 is manipulated by use of a provided handle. The top gate 52 contains an internal tooth 51 that interfaces with slots 58, 59 on the blade strip 57 to hold the blade in open and closed configurations. Bottom slot 59 may be coupled to a flange slot 56 on the bottom of the clasp body 52 in order to further secure the clasp in a closed position. This is done by simply threading a zip-tie or similar item through both slots. Top slot 58 may be a detent rather than a full slot.

A third clasp embodiment, based on the second, allows the use of a clasp with a traditional MOLLE system. Shown in FIGS. 51-57, this third clasp body is shorter than that of the second embodiment and the gates 62 present a defined cusp towards a bottom edge. This cusp allows a user to secure the clasp onto the loops 68 of a MOLLE system and slide the strap blade 63 underneath the loops.

It should be noted that the depicted embodiments all allow for attachment onto two rails. It is to be understood that clasps may readily be manufactured for attachment to as few as one rail or as many as may be needed to secure an object to a desired surface. Likewise, larger objects may require the use of multiple clasps.

Alternate clips (FIGS. 58-63) may be used to attach small articles to a single rail. Four example clips are shown as clips 70, 72, 74, and 76. Two clip loops 78, 80 may also be utilized to secure cylindrical items like batteries and/or flashlights.

FIGS. 64 and 65 depict the use of the prior art MOLLE system with the rail matrix of the present invention. As shown, MOLLE strap 82 is threaded under the bridges 16 of the necessary rails 10 and secures back onto the article 1.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. Such modifications include different attachment apparatus designs, different shaped clips with specialized functionality, different materials and different shaped teeth and rail designs. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

1. A modular attachment system for affixing an accessory object to a carrier object, collectively the “attachment objects,” the attachment system comprising: a. plurality of essentially parallel rails forming a matrix and connected to a surface of one of the attachment objects, each rail further comprising at least one loop extending outward from the surface upon which the rails are attached, the rails being oriented with respect to each other such that at least one loop of a first rail and at least one loop of a second rail define a column of loops along a column axis and have a defined space between them, a side of the loops facing the surface of the attachment object being defined as an underside of the loops; b. a clasp connected to another of the attachment objects, the clasp further comprising a base by which the clasp is attached to the another attachment object, a movable blade and at least one gate on the base through which the movable blade travels; wherein, the attachment system is actuated by placing the clasp against the rails such that the at least one gate is positioned in a defined space between the loops and the blade is parallel with the column axis, the blade then being then actuated in a manner to interface with an underside of the loops of the loop column.
 2. The modular attachment system of claim 1, the rails each further comprising a flexible base from which the loops project that may be stitched to a fabric surface.
 3. The modular attachment system of claim 1, the rails further comprising at least one raised bridge and attachment nodes on opposite sides thereof, the nodes and one bridge forming one attachment loop.
 4. The modular attachment system of claim 3, the rails further comprising: a. a first end piece, containing at least one part of an attachment node; b. a second end piece, containing at least one part of an attachment node such that the second end piece and the first end piece are complimentary and together form a complete attachment node; and c. at least one middle module comprising a bridge section and at least two ends, one end being complimentary with the first end piece and another end being complimentary with the second end piece; wherein a full rail is assembled by associating one first end piece with at least one middle module and associating one second end piece with a middle module.
 5. The modular attachment system of claim 1, the clasp further comprising: a. at least one maxillary part of a jaw on at least one gate and extending away from the base; b. at least one mandible part of a jaw positioned on the blade and extending away from the base such that when the blade is actuated, the jaw will close upon one loop of the loop column; and c. a latch mechanism configured to hold the blade in an actuated position relative to the base until purposefully moved from the actuated position.
 6. The modular attachment system of claim 5, further comprising at least one more mandible part on the blade and one more maxillary part on the base.
 7. The modular attachment system of claim 5, the blade further comprising a stop to hinder removal of the blade from the base.
 8. The modular attachment system of claim 1, at least one loop further comprising a positioning structure and the clasp further comprising a complimentary positioning structure designed to associate with the positioning structure of the at least one loop.
 9. The modular attachment system of claim 1, the clasp further comprising at least one other gate, defining a space between said gates and a common passage for the blade through the gates, the space between the gates sufficient to accommodate at least one loop; wherein the blade is threaded through the common passage of the gates and underneath at least one loop.
 10. The modular attachment system of claim 9: a. the blade further comprising a locking hole on a forward end of the blade and a locking detent on a rearward end of the blade; and b. an upper most gate further comprising a locking tab; wherein the blade, when in an open position, interfaces with the locking tab by means of the locking hole and when in a closed position interfaces with the locking tab by means of the detent.
 11. The modular attachment system of claim 10, the base further comprising a locking hole at a lower end and the locking hole of the blade and the locking hole of the base may be used to fasten the blade and base together.
 12. A modular attachment system for a woven mounting system, the woven mounting system comprising a matrix of parallel stitched bands forming columns of loops, each with a column axis, the attachment system comprising a clasp connected to a surface of an object, the clasp further comprising: a. a base by which the clasp is attached to the surface of the object; b. a movable blade; and c. at least one gate on the base through which the movable blade travels; wherein, the attachment system is actuated by placing the clasp against the matrix such that the at least one gate is positioned in a defined space between the loops and the blade is parallel with the column axis, the blade then being then actuated in a manner to interface with an underside of the loops of the loop column.
 13. The modular attachment system of claim 11, the clasp further comprising at least one hook positioned on at least one gate, wherein the at least one hook may be utilized to interface with a loop in the loop column.
 14. A rail for a modular attachment system, the rail comprising at least one raised bridge and attachment nodes on opposite sides thereof, the nodes and one bridge forming one attachment loop.
 15. The rail of claim 13, further comprising: a. a first end piece, containing at least one part of an attachment node; b. a second end piece, containing at least one part of an attachment node such that the second end piece and the first end piece are complimentary and together form a complete attachment node; and c. at least one middle module comprising a bridge section and at least two ends, one end being complimentary with the first end piece and another end being complimentary with the second end piece; wherein a full rail is assembled by associating one first end piece with at least one middle module and associating one second end piece with a middle module. 